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Swincar’s electric concept conquers uneven terrain with four independent limbs

As a driver, staying out of the ditch should always be at the top of your to-do list. Not in the Swincar though, because the French electric concept vehicle was made to conquer crazy terrain and look even crazier doing it.
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The unique off-roader employs a bizarre spider-like layout that includes four separate limbs, independent suspension, and four hub-mounted electric motors. With each wheel pivoting on a dedicated crossbeam, the lightweight ATV zips through trenches, over moguls, and through uneven bends at extreme angles with ease.

It’s capable of this because of a design that Swincar calls pendulum tilt curve, which allows the vehicle to lean into corners like a motorcycle while articulating its wheels on a longitudinal axis. It’s also extremely lightweight due to its machined aluminum construction, which helps it maintain stability on unstable slopes.

With each motor producing between 1 and 1.5 kW (1.3 to 2 horsepower), the four-wheel drive Swincar is not a powerful vehicle. But at just 310 pounds, it doesn’t need to be. It’s capable of a top speed of about 25 mph, can scale a 70-percent gradient, can recharge in about two hours, and although the company doesn’t specify range — the Swincar can drive for around four hours per charge. It conquers obstacles like a mountain goat carves corners like a motorbike, and its surreal aesthetics make it the most unique vehicle this side of an Chainlink Extreme 4×4.

The Swincar has been in production for eight years, and though it’s not quite production-ready, the company says road homologation is in progress for the end of the year. Once the “standard” version gains some traction, Swincar says it will build a two-seat model and a version with joystick controls for customers with reduced mobility. Can we get an invite to the launch event, please?

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
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